The entire community of Mullingar together with Westmeath County Council will have to get involved and play an active role if Columb Barracks is to be kept open.
News that the Government is planning to sell the former army barracks is no surprise to the current anchor tenants, Westmeath GAA, who are hoping a deal can be done to ensure the facility remains open to the people of Mullingar and Westmeath.
With their current lease up, they are hoping to sign a long-term agreement, but this may be scuppered if the Government proceed with their plans to sell Columb Barracks.
Westmeath County Board Chairman, Sean Sheridan acknowledged the great support they have received from the department since stepping in four years ago when Columb Barracks was closed. He said the facility is of huge benefit to community groups across Westmeath and he is hopeful a deal can be done in order that the current arrangement continues.
“It is true that it is not sustainable for the government to keep the barracks open long-term, but what we want is for Westmeath County Council to buy it for the community of Mullingar and Westmeath. Westmeath GAA would remain the anchor tenant and that way the barracks could be kept open,” he said.
It’s understood Westmeath GAA have been anxious to purchase the barracks, but the government will have to sell it at public auction. That could well mean the end of the present arrangement, leaving the GAA and other community groups with no home.
“A lot of the community groups we have at Columb Barracks would be happy for it to remain in Westmeath and not be sold at all,” said Mr Sheridan.
Community groups like the archery club, youth club, a boxing club and GAA development squads are among those who use Columb Barracks and there are 17 organisations in total benefiting from the facility. It is also used by educational groups and the Gardaí, while Westmeath Community Development make use of the facilities.
“Every day of the week there are activities there and if it closes it would be a disaster for Mullingar,” said Mr Sheridan.
When the barracks closed in 2012, Westmeath GAA stepped in and their involvement has been crucial to ensuring that the 24-acre facility did not become a derelict site.
SHAME IF LOST
Helen Hassett of Skills Exchange, who have Columb Barracks as their base, said it would be a shame if the facility is lost to Mullingar.
“If it’s sold it will be left as a derelict site for the next 10 years until it increases in value. It is one of the most brilliant resources we have in Westmeath but it’s not being fully used. With a renewed drive, good ideas and the joining up of networks, this can be bigger; it’s a little town in itself,” she enthused.
Helen made the point that there are very influential and wealthy people with Mullingar connections who could get involved in the project.
Cllr John Shaw, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, feels a proper plan is needed for the future of Columb Barracks.
“The government have a responsibility here because it was their decision to close Columb Barracks and they should have had some kind of foresight. Westmeath County Council would not wash its hands of it, but it would require a group coming forward with a long-term purpose for the facility. It will need a lot of maintenance,” he said.
With 24 acres in total and a substantial amount of land, Cllr Shaw agrees that housing may well be an option going forward. He says it’s great that Westmeath GAA have kept the barracks open for the past four years but a bigger plan will now be needed and that may well include a museum.
“There’s a huge amount of history up there also,” he noted.
It’s unlikely, however, that Westmeath County Council will purchase the facility because of the substantial running costs involved.
It’s not known how much the sale of Columb Barracks would realise, but while it has diminished, its value is still believed to be several million euros. Ultimately, it may not achieve a huge amount of revenue for the government.
